Category Archives: Estate Planning

Older woman sitting with estate planning attorney

What to Know About Undue Influence in California

The decision of whom to leave things to in your will and how to set up your estate planning documents is one of great importance. Sadly, sometimes when someone is in a vulnerable state they can be excessively persuaded to act or refrain from acting in a certain manner by someone who overtakes their free […]

  • Posted on: Mar 28 2023
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Woman signing estate planning documents with attorney

The Legal Impact of Death on Property Co-owned with Children

The real estate market remains touchy. Inflation has made it much more difficult for young people to purchase property. That’s why many mothers and fathers will co-sign on a mortgage since their child would be ineligible.  While a nice gesture, co-owning property can prove complicated – especially after the death of one of the parties. […]

  • Posted on: Feb 27 2023
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Elderly woman looking over estate plan

Inheritance Choices in California: In Trust or Outright?

Many parents wish to leave assets to their children. One common way of doing so is through the creation of a Trust. Another is to do so outright. Doing so outright means that your assets will be distributed to your kids now. Receiving your assets in a Trust means that the assets you wish to […]

  • Posted on: Dec 10 2022
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Estate planning attorney working on estate plan with client

Is the Probate Process Mandatory?

Probate is a legal process during which a court will look at a decedent’s estate and how his or her assets are to be distributed. During probate the court will look to validate a will (if there is one), and will also appoint an executor or, an administrator if there is no will. This appointed […]

  • Posted on: Nov 18 2022
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Woman working on an estate plan

Selecting Environmentally Conscious Burial Options in CA

Many people are concerned about the impact that their own actions are having on our environment and are looking for ways to be more environmentally conscious. For some people this even includes what to do with their body when they pass away.  Burial solutions that are gaining a lot of traction are green burials, commonly […]

  • Posted on: Oct 19 2022
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Mother and son meeting with estate planning attorney

Legal Documents That May Be Important for Your 18-Year-Old Child

It may seem a bit strange, but it’s important to note that estate planning doesn’t actually require an estate. There are many important “estate planning” documents that aren’t about how much money or property you have. For this reason, everyone over the age of 18 should begin to establish an estate plan. When your child […]

  • Posted on: Aug 29 2022
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Spilled pills

3 Steps to Take with Your Deceased Loved One’s Prescription Medications

When you lose a loved one, it can be difficult knowing all of the things to take care of after their passing. There may be accounts to close, final bills to pay, and funeral arrangements to make. But one thing most people don’t think about is what to do with any prescription medication that they […]

  • Posted on: Jul 31 2022
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Elderly woman signing her estate plan

How Your May-December Relationship May Impact Your Estate Planning

You can’t always help who you fall in love with. And while most people end up with a partner who is 2-4 years older or younger, some people fall in love with those much older or younger than themselves. Every relationship is different and some relationships just work – age gap or not. A difference […]

  • Posted on: May 27 2022
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Elderly woman working on her estate plan

Why HIPAA Release Forms Matter for Your Estate Plan

When we think about estate planning, we often think of looking ahead to the end of our lives. However, estate planning is about more than just death; it’s about planning for the unexpected – especially unexpected health battles.  An advance health care directive is a legal document that allows for someone else to make medical […]

  • Posted on: Apr 29 2022
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estate planning attorney sitting with client

What You Should Know About a “Springing” Power of Attorney

Estate plans are important because they help you to not only plan for how you want your family to be taken care of (after you pass away), but also for how you want to be cared for or taken care of should you be unable to take care of yourself. In other words, an estate […]

  • Posted on: Mar 18 2022
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